Finding time for exercise can often be a challenge. However, a regular workout will give you the energy to manage everything else
you fit into your day and it can help to plan a regular exercise schedule, rather than save workouts for when you have a spare
moment. Any schedule needs to be flexible, but it is better to skip a scheduled exercise session than to not have one planned at
all. Intermittent exercise increases your risk of injury because the muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones can receive too much
stress without adequate preparation.
Your diary might involve a variety of workout times – morning workouts on some days, for example, and lunchtime or evening exercise
sessions on other days. The key is to find a blend that works for you and to stick with it. The following tips can help get you active:
- Don't ask yourself if you feel like exercising – make an appointment with yourself for fitness and stick to it
- Exercise regularly with a friend. This helps to reinforce the importance of the exercise "appointment"
- Keep track of your exercise in a log book – progress can be great encouragement
- Make your exercise "appointment" easy for yourself by being prepared. Keep a gym bag in the car and running or walking shoes handy
- Ensure exercise becomes a part of your social life by making times to meet friends for exercise. Meet for a run, cycle together, go hiking for the weekend or fit in some tennis instead of having lunch
- Get your kids off to a good start in life – encourage them to exercise, and play an active role in their activities. Take them hiking, camping, canoeing, swimming and biking. Let them see that exercise ids part of a healthy life
- Ensure you meet your nutritional and physical needs when you exercise by eating a well balanced diet and getting enough sleep